Nairobi accommodations
Nairobi accommodations welcome you to a destination nicknamed “Green City in the Sun”. Known for its big-game parks, savannas, nature preserves, gardens, viewpoints, calderas, alkaline lakes, shopping malls, golf clubs and universities, Nairobi is located in southern Kenya, not far from Tanzania. Flowing across Green City in the Sun, the Nairobi River originates at the town of Kikuyu’s Ondiri Wetland peatbog and meets eastward with the Athi River (Kenya’s second longest river). Once revered as a big-game hunting destination, Nairobi has come a long way since its early-20th century beginnings. Today, Nairobi is known as a starting point for Kenya & Tanzania safaris.
Nairobi points of interest: TRM – Thika Road Mall (shopping mall), Two Rivers Mall (shopping mall), Sarit (shopping mall), The Junction Mall (shopping mall), The Hub Karen (shopping mall), Yaya Centre (shopping mall), Carnivore (restaurant), National Museum of Kenya, Capital Centre (outlet mall), Kenyatta International Conference Centre, Safaricom Stadium Kasarani, Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary, Kenyatta International Convention Centre, CJ’S – Kilimani (family restaurant), Nairobi Animal Orphanage, Nairobi Safari Walk, Diamond Plaza 2 (shopping mall), Carrefour Mega (hypermarket), Bomas Of Kenya (open-air museum / traditional tribal villages), Bao Box (family restaurant), Jamia Mosque Nairobi, Fogo Gaucho Kilimani (Brazilian restaurant), Zen Garden (restaurant), Ngong Race Course and Golf Park, Talisman Restaurant, Muthaiga Country Club, Brew Bistro and Lounge (brewpub), Greenspan Shopping Mall, Nairobi Street Kitchen (restaurant), Royal Nairobi Golf Club, Muthaiga Golf Club, Geco Café, University of Nairobi, Funscapes Two Rivers Theme Park (amusement park), Freedom Heights Mall (shopping mall), Business Bay Square (shopping mall), Broadwalk Mall (shopping mall), Oyster Bay (restaurant), Karura Forest (nature preserve), Strathmore University, Matteo’s Italian Restaurant, Deliverance Church Umoja (Pentecostal church), United States International University Africa, Mode Cafe, The Wine Shop Kenya (wine bar), Tamarind Brasserie (family restaurant), Nairobi Lighthouse Church, Museum of Illusions Nairobi, Riara University, Pan Africa Christian University (private university), DNM EVENTS PARK (event venue), One Off Contemporary Art Gallery, Lennix Gym Ruaka
Surrounding-Nairobi attractions: Nairobi National Park (big-game animals), Village Market (shopping mall), Lake Nakuru National Park (large soda lake, wildlife, camping), Lake Naivasha (boat safaris – hippos / flamingoes), Hells Gate National Park (photography spot, birdwatching, hiking, horse-riding, cycling, camping), Ngong Hills Forest Reserve (nature preserve / hiking area), The Forest Adventure Centre and Restaurant (adventure sports center), Mount Longonot National Park (dormant volcano, forest-filled crater, hiking along volcanic rim), The Great Rift Valley View Point (view point / restaurant), Giraffe Centre, Kiambethu Tea Farm, South- Western Mau National Reserve, Naishola Gardens (wedding venue)
300 miles west of Nairobi: Lake Victoria (Africa’s largest lake – boat rides, beaches, 200+ fish species – Nile River source)
Toward Lake Victoria (Nairobi-side): Maasai Mara National Reserve (savanna – migratory wildlife, game animals), Serengeti National Park (Tanzania national park – annual wildebeest migration, lions, elephants, rhinos)
South-southeast of the Serengeti: Ngorongoro Conservation Area (Tanzania / Kenya border – volcanic caldera, gorge), Lake Manyara National Park (Tanzania national park – bird species, information center, gift shop), Mount Kilimanjaro National Park (Tanzania iconic mountain – hiking areas, wildlife), Tsavo West National Park (rugged wilderness park – wild elephants, rhinos, leopards, lions), Tsavo East National Park (game reserve – lions, elephants, birds, guided walks)
Nairobi main airport: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Rideshare service: Uber
Nairobi safari agencies: Destinations Kenya Safari, Savannah Adventures, Masikio Safaris, Kenya Tour Budget Safari, Bienvenido Kenya, Shanjoy Tours & Safaris, Go Kenya Safari, Silver Spark Africa Safaris, Inspired Feet Safaris, Wildlife Safari Kenya, Kenya Safari Bookings, African Sermon Safaris, Back of Africa Adventure, Nature’s Wonderland Safaris Kenya, Cruzeiro Safaris
Before going on a safari trip, a day or two stay at least in Nairobi is recommended to shake-off jet lag / rest. Nairobi’s & Kenya’s official languages are English and Swahili (Kiswahili), with English being widely spoken. When out at night in Nairobi be wary of your surroundings. Areas such as Westlands, Lavington and Karen generally are quite safe, though places to avoid are Eastleigh and Kibera. Outside of tourist areas, modest dress is recommended (ladies especially). Swimming in lakes, rivers and reservoirs, and drinking tap water, are not advisable due to potential Schistosomiasis (parasitic disease). Naturally, Kenya is home to impressive wildlife. A protected area, Nairobi National Park is a sanctuary for the critically endangered black rhino. Beyond Nairobi National Park, expansive safari opportunities await. The key to an exciting safari trip is knowing where / when wildebeest migrate, as predators will follow the herds (confusions). In August, wildebeest migrate through Kenya, while in February they head to Tanzania. Altogether, about 1.5 million wildebeest are involved in Kenya’s / Tanzania’s annual Great Wildebeest Migration. Nairobi’s currency is the Kenyan shilling, cars travel on the left-hand side and the drinking age is 18 years old. Nairobi accommodations are some of East Africa’s best. Before we get to Nairobi accommodations, let’s take a look at some more background information on the area to help you along the way.
Originally swampland, the Nairobi-area was first occupied by the pastoralist Maasai. the long-distance trader Akamba and the agriculturalist Kikuyu peoples. The name “Nairobi” originates from a Maasai expression meaning ‘cool waters’. Chief engineer of the Uganda Railway, Sir George Whitehouse (1857-1938) chose the Nairobi-area for an Indian laborer store depot and shunting / camping grounds due to the area’s adequate water supply, temperate climate and high elevation near the town of Limuru. Prior to the colonial era, tribal peoples lived in villages, and the area had multiple leaders. Arthur Church was commissioned to design a town layout (Victoria & Station Streets, ten avenues, staff quarters, Indian commercial area) for a railway depot circa 1898. On May 30, 1899 the railway depot opened and Nairobi replaced Machakos as the Ukamba administration’s headquarters. Malaria became problematic for the early town. Even worse, an outbreak of the plague in the early 1900s caused the original town to be burned / razed, and Bazaar Street (Biashara Street) completely rebuilt. Administration and tourism helped the town’s population grow from 5,000 to 16,000 between 1902 and 1910. After the Uganda Railway’s promotion, big game hunting became a major draw in Nairobi, which became capital of the East Africa Protectorate in 1907, and was declared a municipality in 1919. Following World War II, the expanding city created tensions with the Maasai and Kikuyu. Embakasi Airport’s (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport) opening on March 9, 1958 brought airplanes to the area. Indeed, modernization had commenced, and times were changing. The 1950s Mau Mau Uprising and the early-1960s Lancaster House Conferences, though, led to Kenya (The Commonwealth realm of Kenya) declaring independence from British colonial rule on December 12, 1963. Exactly a year later the Republic of Kenya was established. Power cuts and water shortages due to Nairobi’s rapid infrastructure growth became common issues in the city following Kenya’s independence. The 28-storey Kenyatta International Conference Centre KICC opened to the public on September 11, 1973. In 1983, the Giraffe Center opened. More recent installments have been the Thika Superhighway (2012), the Standard Gauge Railway (2017) and the Nairobi Expressway (2022).
Home to around 4.4 million “Nairobians”, Nairobi is Kenya’s capital and largest city. Nairobi’s area spans 270 square miles between the cities of Kampala and Mombasa. Adjacent and westward is the Rift Valley, an intra-continental ridge system that runs north-south. Minor earthquakes / tremors are possible due to Nairobi’s proximity to the Rift Valley. West of the city also are the Ngong Hills (ridge peaks). Mount Kenya, an extinct volcano north of Nairobi, rises 17,057 feet. Nairobi is one of Africa’s most modern cities and a financial center. The city’s subtropical highland climate accounts for 75 °F average high temperatures during the warm season (December-March). Due to the city’s elevation (5,889 feet above sea level) evenings can be cool, especially in June and July. Nairobi’s proximity to the equator, though, accounts for minimal weather variations between seasons. Additional points of interest are Nairobi Securities Exchange, Parliament of Kenya, Westlands (affluent neighborhood – shopping centers, restaurants, bars, clubs), Karen Blixen Museum and African Great Lakes (Great Rift Valley alkaline lake system – flamingoes). Local foods include nyama choma (roast meat), Kenyan stew (beef, tomatoes, onions, garlic, curry powder), ugali (maize flour porridge), irio (mashed potatoes and peas), rice, beans, corn, collard greens and mandazi (dough ball – doughnut-like). Popular drinks are dawa (vodka drink), beer, wine, champagne and tea. With some background knowledge on the area, we’re ready for Nairobi accommodations that will help make for a memorable experience.
Acacia Tree Lodge
Marula Lane
Cottolengo Centre
Lodge amenities: restaurant, buffet, continental or Full English/Irish breakfast, garden, free Wi-Fi, hairdryers, 24-hour front desk, free private parking
Nearby restaurants: 3 Stooges Grill (restaurant), Chakula Tayari (East African restaurant), Go&Grub Pork & Fries (restaurant), Under the Swahili Tree (family restaurant)
Nearby misc.: Organic Farmers Market – Kenya (fresh food market), Karen Country Club (golf course), Marula Manor ltd (event venue), Maridadi Zawadi (gift shop), Karen Gym and Personal Training Center (gym), Dimesse Sisters Karen (convent)
Within 1 mile:
-
-
- Cottolengo Centre
-
Within 1.1 miles:
-
-
- Karen Blixen Museum
-
Within 1.3 miles:
-
-
- Youth for Conservation (YfC)
-
Within 1.6 miles:
-
-
- Oloolua Nature Trail
-
Within 3.1 miles:
-
-
- Langata Botanical Gardens
-
Within 6 miles:
-
-
- Burning Site and Picnic Area
- Uhuru Gardens Memorial Park
-
Acacia Tree Lodge is 15 miles from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Approximate cost per night: $105
Edaala Comfort – Cottage Rooms
411 Ndovu Cresent
Nairobi Giraffe Centre
Guesthouse amenities: garden views, terrace, patios, garden, BBQ facilities, fitness center, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, desks, continental / vegetarian breakfast, shared kitchen, free private parking
Nearby restaurants: The Tano Bora Grill (barbecue restaurant), Boho Eatery
Nearby misc.: Magical Fishing Safaris (fishing charter), Matbronze Art Gallery & Foundry (art gallery), Annadil Jamaly Sports Complex (sports complex), Kipevu Link (shopping mall), Weddings & Events by Kui Ltd (event planner), Karen – 417 (landmark)
Within feet:
Within 1 mile:
-
-
- Maro Gardens
-
Within 1.9 miles:
-
-
- Sasamoto Centre
-
Within 3.2 miles:
-
-
- Karen Blixen Museum
-
Within 7 miles:
-
-
- Railway Museum
- Nairobi Milliary Stone
-
Edaala Comfort – Cottage Rooms is 13 miles from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Approximate cost per night: $63
Karen Gables
Mbagathi Ridge No 76D
Karen Blixen Museum
Guesthouse amenities: swimming pool, hot tubs, pool, river & garden views, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, car rentals, free private parking
Nearby restaurants: Karen Blixen Coffee Garden and Cottages (restaurant), Harkness Cottage & Hotel (restaurant)
Nearby misc.: Karen Country Club (golf course), Opportunity Factory (art handcraft)
Within feet:
Within 1.2 miles:
-
-
- Oloolua Nature Trail
-
Within 1.8 miles:
-
-
- Cottolengo Centre
-
Within 3.4 miles:
-
-
- Ngong Stadium
- Langata Botanical Gardens
-
Within 3.5 miles:
-
-
- Nairobi Mamba Village
- Sasamoto Centre
-
Within 9 miles:
-
-
- Eden Square Office Block
- Museum Hill Centre
-
Karen Gables is 16 miles from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Approximate cost per night: $393
Ololo Safari Lodge
South of Nairobi National Park
Nairobi National Park
Lodge amenities: open-air restaurant near the pool overlooking the national park, bar, guest lounge located in the old original thatched farmhouse with open fireplace, wine cellar, small library, outdoor pool, modern Colonial-style furnishings, mosquito nets, hair dryers
Nearby: Kitengela Hot Glass Ltd. – Studio (glassblower), Savanna Park Tree Nursery, Africa Nazarene University – Ongata Rongai Campus
Within 2 miles:
Within 3.8 miles:
-
-
- Ivory Burning Site and Picnic Area
-
Within 4.3 miles:
-
-
- Multimedia University Kenya
-
Within 4.8 miles:
-
-
- Banda School
-
Within 5.3 miles:
-
-
- T-Mall Nairobi
-
Within 5.7 miles:
-
-
- Crown Paints Distributor Jihan Freighters Ltd
- Bomas of Kenya
-
Ololo Safari Lodge is 8 miles from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Approximate cost per night: $350
Kepro Farm
Gataka Road, Mwai Close
Langata Botanical Gardens
Guesthouse amenities: free Wi-Fi, mountain / garden views, slippers, luggage storage, free private parking
Within feet:
-
-
- Nairobi Giraffe Centre
-
Within 1.7 miles:
Within 2.4 miles:
-
-
- Jordan Gardens
-
Within 2.6 miles:
-
-
- David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
-
Within 3.2 miles:
-
-
- Cottolengo Centre
-
Within 6 miles:
-
-
- Uhuru Gardens Memorial Park
-
Kepro Farm is 14 miles from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Approximate cost per night: $393 (Double Room with Balcony): $92
Cost per person (four people): $23
Safari Park Hotel & Casino
Kasarani off Thika Road, 00100
TRM – Thika Road Mall | Garden City Mall
Hotel amenities: casino, restaurant, bar, nightclub, golf course, tennis court, outdoor swimming pool, spa, sauna, gym, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, currency exchange, luggage storage, billiards room, playground, car rental service, business center, private parking, airport transportation service for a charge
Nearby restaurants: Nyama Choma Ranch (restaurant), La Piazzetta Italian Restaurant, Chiyo (Japanese / Korean restaurant), Winners Pavillion (Chinese restaurant), Hemingway’s Lounge Bar, Piano Bar
Nearby misc.: Paradise Casino, Cats Club (nightclub), Safari Cats (live entertainment), Cafe Kigwa, Paradise Lobby Café, Wasili Kanya Safaris, Kasarani Indoor Arena
Within feet:
Within 1 mile:
-
-
- Eden Plaza
- Thika Palm Arcade
-
Safari Park Hotel & Casino is 14.9 miles from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Approximate cost per night (Executive Suite): $266
Hob House
Kitusuru
Kihingo Village
Guesthouse amenities: restaurant, garden views, free Wi-Fi, slippers, 24-hour front desk, children’s playground, free parking
Nearby: Hob House Restaurant (Lebanese restaurant), Skinners Restaurant, Kanyi Bakes (bakery), Tasha Cake Creation (cake shop), Fitness Wheel Gym And Aerobics (gym)
Within feet:
-
-
- Kihingo Village
-
Within 2.1 miles:
-
-
- Havilah Ranch
-
Within 2.7 miles:
-
-
- Kifaru Gardens
- St. Mary’s School Nairobi Games Pitches
-
Within 4 miles:
-
-
- Eden Square Office Block
-
Within 6 miles:
-
-
- Nairobi Milliary Stone
- August 7th Memorial Park
- Railway Museum
-
Within 30 miles:
-
-
- Mount Longonot
-
Hob House is 13 miles from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Approximate cost per night: $135
Palacina The Residence & The Suites
Kitale Lane
Shifteye Gallery
Hotel amenities: restaurant, garden views, fitness center, swimming pool set in a large manicured lawn, garden views, air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, full kitchenettes
Nearby restaurants / bars: Moonflower Restaurant, Pete’s Cafe (restaurant), Oro Restaurant And Lounge, CrivonSpring Lounge (bar)
Nearby misc.: The Angelsmile Atelier (clothing store), Kuona Artists Collective (art center), St Georges Assembly Ground (fairground)
Within feet:
-
-
- Shifteye Gallery
- Kasuku Centre
- Nairobi Arboretum
- Yaya Centre
-
Within 1 mile:
-
-
- Netherlands Embassy
-
Within 1.2 miles:
-
-
- Prestige Plaza
- The Nairobi Hospital
-
Within 1.4 miles:
-
-
- Nairobi Art Centre
- Kipro Centre
-
Within 1.7 miles:
-
-
- Nairobi National Museum
-
Palacina The Residence & The Suites is 10 miles from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Approximate cost per night (two-bedroom penthouse): $284
Cost per person (four people): $72
Fairview Hotel
Second Ngong Avenue
All Saints Cathedral Nairobi
Hotel amenities: restaurant, bar, outdoor pool, sun terrace, fitness center, classically decorated rooms, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, tea / coffee facilities, bathrobes, slippers, 24-hour front desk, tour desk, meeting facilities
Nearby: Argenti Restaurant & Lounge, The Plato (restaurant), New Life SDA Cafe, Radlee’s Cafe, Cake Galleria (bakery), Kings Prism Towers (business center)
Within feet:
-
-
- All Saints Cathedral Nairobi
- The Nairobi Hospital
- Uhuru Park
- Kenya Railway Golf Club
- Nairobi Gallery
- Nyayo House
-
Within 1 mile:
-
-
- Imax Kenya
-
Within 1.2 miles:
-
-
- Nairobi National Museum
-
Fairview Hotel is 9 miles from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Approximate cost per night: $127
Yaya Towers & Hotel
Argwings Kodhek Road
Yaya Centre Nairobi
Hotel amenities: outdoor pool, tennis court, basketball court, BBQ facilities, fitness center, free Wi-Fi, satellite TVs, DVD players, kitchens, 24-hour front desk, game room, children’s playground, free parking
Nearby restaurants / bars: Sierra Brasserie (restaurant), RubiCut Gardens (restaurant), Mambos Barbeque, Kifaru Bar, Foxxies Lounge (bar)
Nearby misc.: Bleau LOUNGE (club), Newscafe – Adlife (café), Fresh Choice Green Grocers, Yaya Centre (shopping mall), Shifteye Studios (photography studio)
Within feet:
-
-
- Yaya Centre
- Shifteye Gallery
- Prestige Plaza
- Adams Arcade Shopping Centre
- Royal Nairobi Golf Club
-
Within 1.1 miles:
-
-
- iHub
-
Within 1.2 miles:
-
-
- Nairobi Art Centre
- Kasuku Centre
- Nairobi Arboretum
-
Within 1.6 miles:
-
-
- Lavington Green Shopping Centre
-
Within 2 miles:
-
-
- Central Park
-
Within 2.2 miles:
-
-
- Freedom Heights Mall
-
Yaya Towers & Hotel is 10 miles from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Approximate cost per night (three-bedroom suite): $468
Cost per person (five people): $94
So there they are, Nairobi accommodations that will help make for an exciting experience. We hope you have found this information valuable and most of all, that you enjoy your time in Kenya!